Posted Mon Jan 19, 2015 at 11:45 AM PST by Steven Cohen
The company is developing original movies for theaters and its streaming service.
Amazon has announced plans to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical distribution and early window distribution on its Prime Instant Video platform. The films will arrive exclusively on the company's streaming service about 4 to 8 weeks after their theatrical premiere.
"We look forward to expanding our production efforts into feature films. Our goal is to create close to twelve movies a year with production starting later this year," said Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios. "Not only will we bring Prime Instant Video customers exciting, unique, and exclusive films soon after a movie's theatrical run, but we hope this program will also benefit filmmakers, who too often struggle to mount fresh and daring stories that deserve an audience."
No specific titles have been announced yet, but Amazon will begin production this year. The studio's creative development is being run by Ted Hope, co-founder of Good Machine, which produced films like 'Eat Drink Man Woman' and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.' Amazon movies will be created by top and up-and-coming filmmakers, and will focus on unique stories and characters.
"Audiences already recognize that Amazon has raised the bar with productions in the episodic realm, tackling bold material in unique ways and collaborating with top talent, both established and emerging. To help carry the torch into the feature film world for such an innovative company is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility," said Ted Hope, the new Head of Production for Amazon Original Movies. "Amazon Original Movies will be synonymous with films that amaze, excite, and move our fans, wherever customers watch. I am incredibly thrilled to be part of this."
Amazon Prime Instant Video is available on a variety of smart TVs, game consoles, mobile devices, and streaming players, including the Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire HDX 8.9, Fire Phone and the Roku 3. An Amazon Prime membership currently costs $99 per year, and includes free 2-day shipping, Prime Instant Video, Prime Music, Prime Photos, the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, and more. The company also recently announced an upcoming original series from Woody Allen, and premiered its first batch of 2015 original pilots.
Source: Amazon
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.